Zelenskyy Seeks to Maintain Focus on Ukraine Amid Shifting Global Concerns
PARIS (AP) — Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with French President Emmanuel Macron in Paris on Thursday, seeking to reaffirm international support for Ukraine as the war in the Middle East draws global attention and questions arise over continued Western aid. The visit, Zelenskyy’s 12th to France since Russia’s full-scale invasion began, came on the heels of a U.S. decision to temporarily lift sanctions on Russian oil, a move Kyiv sharply criticized.
Macron emphasized that the world’s focus on Iran should not diminish support for Ukraine. “If Russia thinks war in Iran will give it a respite, it’s wrong,” Macron said, adding that Ukrainian skies have served as a testing ground for Iranian drones now being used in the Middle East.
Zelenskyy expressed strong disapproval of the U.S. decision to suspend oil sanctions, warning it could provide Moscow with an additional $10 billion to fund its war effort. He delivered his remarks in Ukrainian, underscoring the gravity of the situation for his nation.
The U.S. implemented the 30-day waiver on Russian oil sanctions amid concerns about the impact of the war in the Middle East on global oil prices, according to reports. Zelenskyy deemed the decision “not the right decision,” stating it would not contribute to peace.
During a visit to Sciences Po university in Paris, Zelenskyy addressed students, emphasizing that the conflict is not merely about territory, but about fundamental human rights and the preservation of life. He recounted the emotional toll of the war, speaking of the importance of being able to visit the graves of loved ones.
Zelenskyy also indicated Ukraine is prepared to leverage its expertise in counter-drone technology in negotiations with the United States. He noted that Ukraine was initially dismissed when offering this technology to the Trump administration, but is now receiving requests from Middle Eastern nations.
Looking ahead, Zelenskyy acknowledged the uncertainty surrounding future European leadership, stating Ukraine would work with any elected officials, but expressed a hope that Macron might be able to extend his term beyond next year.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz echoed Zelenskyy’s concerns about easing sanctions, stating that Russia has shown no willingness to negotiate and that increased pressure is necessary.
